Geranium plant named `Morella`

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct cultivar of geranium known by the cultivar name `Morella` is characterized by a crimson red flower color, dark foliage without strong zonation, a semi-double flower form, early flower response and a medium habit.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of geraniumbotanically known as Pelargonium zonale, and hereinafter referred to bythe cultivar name `Morella`.

`Morella` is a product of planned breeding program which had theobjective of creating new geranium cultivars with crimson/red-cherry/redflower color, dark foliage, medium habit.

`Morella` was originated from a hybridization made in a controlledbreeding program in Hagenbach, Germany in 1990. The female parent was`Cherry`, characterized by its crimsom to ruby red flower color, largeumbels, its tolerance to high light, and sensitive foliage. The maleparent of `Morella` was `Osna`, characterized by its signal-red, singleflower form, dark foliage, late flower response and weak branchingpattern.

`Morella` was discovered and selected as one flowering plant within theprogency of the stated cross by the inventors in August 1991 in acontrolled environment in Hagenbach, Germany.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW PLANT

The first act of asexual reproduction of `Morella` was accomplished whenvegetative cuttings were taken from the initial selection in January1992 in a controlled environment in Hagenbruch, Germany, by a technicianworking under formulations established and supervised by Gerd Endisch.

Horticultural examination of selected units initiated in May 1992 hasdemonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosedfor `Morella` are firmly fixed and are retained through successivegenerations of asexual reproduction.

`Morella` has not been observed under all possible environmentalconditions. The phenotype may vary significantly with variations inenvironment such as temperature, light intensity, and day length. Thefollowing observations, measurements, and comparisons describe plantsgrown in Hagenbach, Germany, under field conditions which approximatethose generally used in commercial practice. The measurements anddimensions below are approximate.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe basic characteristics of `Morella` to distinguish this geranium as anew and distinct cultivar:

1. crimson red flower color

2. dark foliage without strong zonation

3. semi-double flower form

4. early flower response

5. medium habit

Of the many commercial cultivars known to the present inventor, the mostsimilar in comparison to `Morella` is `Atlantis`. Reference is made toChart A below which compares certain characteristics of Atlantis tothose same characteristics of Atlantis. In comparison to `Atlantis`,`Morella` has a more vigorous growth, better heat and light resistance,larger umbels and less flowers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying photographic drawing show typical flower and foliagecharacteristics of `Morella`, with colors being as true as possible withillustrations of this type.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

In the following description color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart (R.H.S.). The color values aredetermined indoors from plants grown outdoors in August 1994 inHagenbach, Germany, or Hannover (Bundessortenamt).

Classification:

Botanical.--A hybrid of the species Pelargonium zonale

Commercial.--Zonal geranium, cv. `Morella`.

Inflorescence:

Umbel.--Comprises approx. 38 flowers.

Average diameter.--Approx. 100 mm.

Average depth.--Approx. 46-48 mm.

Peduncle length.--Approx. 140 mm.

Spring flowering response period.--In Hannover 1993: first flower earlyto mid April.

Outdoor flower production.--The flower count in 1993 indicated between60-65 flowers per plant for May 15 through August 15 observation period.

Durability.--Medium rain resistance.

Corolla:

Blooming habit.--Continuous; until frost destroys plant.

Average diameter.--Approx. 43-45 mm.

Form.--Semi-double; cup-shaped when bloom first opens; flattening toshallow cup with maturity.

Color.--(General tonality from a distance of three meters) crimson red.

Petals.--Normally 8.

Color of upper petals.--R.H.S. 53 D.

Color of lower petals.--R.H.S. 56 C.

Petaloids.--Normally 1-3.

Color (petaloids).--R.H.S. 53 D.

Pedicel length.--Approx. 30 mm.

Pedicel color.--Red (anthocyanin colored).

Persistence.--Non-shattering flower.

Bud:

Shape.--Initially ovate.

Size.--Approx. 1.5-2.0 cm across.

Color.--Green with anthocyanin at the base.

Sepals.--Normally 5; pointed linear lanceolate; at time of petalappearance, approx. 10 mm in length.

Reproductive organs:

Stamens: Anthers: 5-8. Filaments: Approx. 5-7 mm in length. Pollen:Orange.

Pistil.--No.: 1. Length: Approx. 9 mm. Stigma: 5 lobes; red colored.Style: Approx. 3 mm in length; red colored.

Ovaries.--Green.

Fruit.--Partially fertile.

Plant:

Foliage.--Size: Approx. 9-10 cm across. Shape: Kidney-shaped. Texture:Leathery. Ribs and veins: Palmate venation. Margin: Bicrenate. Color(upper surface): Dark green, R.H.S. 137 A/B. Color (zonation): Green(weak).

General appearance and form.--Bushy. Internode length: Approx. 22 mm.Branching pattern: self-branching from base; very good branchingcharacteristic; 25 branches observed 15 Aug., 1994. Height: Approx.19-21 cm from media surface. Strength: Good shipping ability as rootedor unrooted cuttings.

Petioles.--Approx. 7-8 cm in length; green.

    ______________________________________    Chart A                New Cultivar                          Comparison                Name:     Cultivar Name:                Morella   Atlantis    ______________________________________    Flower count  60-65       65-70                  15 Aug. 94    Habit         more vigorous                              less vigorous    Heat resistance                  good        bad    Umbel         larger: 100 mm                              95-mm    ______________________________________

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of geranium plantknown as `Morella`, as described and illustrated and particularlycharacterized by a crimson red flower color, dark foliage without strongzonation, a semi-double flower form, early flower response and a mediumhabit.